Clayton Dotter

Clayton "Clay" Herbert Dotter, 72, passed away after a brief illness on August 26, 2021. Clay was born in Flagler, Colorado, and grew up on his family wheat farm in Genoa, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Lavina "Tiny" (Moles), and his brother Tommie Lee. He is survived by his sister, Sandra Kay (Dotter) Puckett, wife Sandra (Kerr) Dotter, son Christopher (Tara) Dotter, and daughter Catherine (Bill) LaPorte. Clay was "Papa" to 11 grandchildren: Clayton, Andrew, Alex, and Nic Berger; Cassidy, Amanda, Tanna, and Courtney Dotter; Billy (Elizabeth) Dube, Austin, and Jonny LaPorte, and 2 great-grandchildren, Auriell and Billy. He enjoyed being "Uncle Clay" to numerous nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Genoa High School in 1967 and was offered an appointment to the military academy at West Point by U.S. Representative, Frank Evans and U.S. Senator, Gordon Allott, alternatively deciding to attend Colorado State University. Clay married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Jean, on December 12, 1968, in Hugo, CO. They lived in married student housing at Colorado State University, where Clay studied science with an emphasis in Physical Science, while Sandi worked. Clay was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and worked as a campus policeman. Clay graduated from CSU in May of 1972.
Clay attended the Colorado State Patrol Academy in Golden, Colorado. After graduation from the academy, Clay was assigned his first duty station, with the Patrol, in Idaho Springs. In 1978, when Chris was 5 and Catherine was 3, he and Sandi moved to Walsenburg, Colorado. While he was still employed with Colorado State Patrol, he and Sandi owned and operated Uptown Bakery from 1983 to 1985. Clay would help Sandi at the bakery in the early morning hours, prior to working his shift as a CSP Patrolman. Clay continued to be a Patrolman for 13 years, until 1986.
In May of 1982, Clay and Sandi purchased what would become Dotter Abstract, where he became the President of the company and obtained his Colorado Title License, as well as his Appraisal and Real Estate License. He and Sandi continue to successfully operate the title company in Huerfano and Las Animas counties. They have 9 employees who help keep the business thriving. Clay's presence and playful banter with his employees will be missed. Over the years, Clay also owned and helped operate Unfug Hardware, Radio Shack, and Beth's Flowers with his children.
Clay was active in the community while serving many roles over the years. Clay is a lifetime member of the Elk's BPOE, having spent 37 years as a member. Clay initially joined the local Elk's Lodge, and continued membership after it closed. He was a donor to the Museum of Friends and Fox Theater. He was a member of the Huerfano Chamber of Commerce, and one of the founding members of Walsenburg Downtown Development. While Chris was growing up, he was the Boy Scout Leader of Troop 252; he was instrumental in forming that troop and helping several boys in obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a part of the yearly children's bicycle rodeo held by the Colorado State Patrol during his tenure as a Patrolman in Walsenburg.
Motorcycles and motorcycle riding over the years brought him much joy. He was an active member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, belonging to Chapter I in Colorado Springs. Clay, Sandi, and the kids took many vacations on their motorcycles, both with and without the group. Clay also enjoyed being a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club as well.
His hobbies and interests were a big part of who he was. Clay had a love for model trains, coin and stamp collecting, science fiction books, and playing numerous games on his computer. His family would often walk into his house to find him on his computer, or in his kitchen chair reading one of his thousands of science fiction books.
Clay also has a passion for construction and building. He and Sandi remodeled their home many times. If Sandi dreamt it, he would make it happen. He would always lend a hand in helping Chris and Catherine, as well as friends with their homes and many different projects. He was known to "over" build and "over engineer" making sure things would last.
Perhaps, his brightest joy was watching and contributing to the many activities of his grandchildren. He built things, volunteered, and donated time and money to different sports and activities, to make them better for his grandchildren and children of the community. He would travel to and from numerous events in support of his grandchildren. Whether it be rain or shine, morning or night, you could count on Papa to be there. Last, but not least, was his final road trip, helping move his granddaughter, Cassidy, across the country to Mississippi in late July 2021.
Clay enjoyed giving gifts to those he loved. He was especially fond of coming up with fun and creative ways to hide the gifts. Clay's playful teasing, funny stories, building skills, and wonderful advice will be missed by his family and friends.
Services are scheduled for September 11, 2021. There will be a private family service followed by a celebration of life in which friends are invited to attend and share their stories of Clay with family at Delaney Hall, 121 E. 7th Street, Walsenburg, at 4:00 p.m. Arrangements made by Boies-Ortega Funeral Home.